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About Electrophysiology

This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.

What is an Electrophysiology (EP) study?

This is a test that is used to record the electrical pathways and activity of the heart. An electrophysiology study is performed by an electrophysiologist who is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of abnormal heart rhythms.

Why do I need an EP study?

To identify the cause abnormal heart rhythms

To locate the origin of an abnormal heart rhythm

To decide which is the best treatment for an abnormal heart rhythm

To determine the best device before ICD (implantable cardioverter/defibrillator) placement

To monitor the success of the treatment.

How should I prepare for the EP study?

Discuss with your doctor what medications you are taking so that you can be advised on what to take or avoid. If you have some health conditions such as diabetes, your doctor ill adjust your medications.

You should not drink or eat anything the evening before the electrophysiology study. If you are taking any medications do so with only a small sip of water.

If you will be discharged on the same day you will need someone to drive you home.

How is the procedure performed?

You will lie on a bed an intravenous line (IV) will be started in your arm. This is to enable you to receive fluids and drugs (to relax you) during the procedure.

You will be connected to several monitors. A nurse will shave your groin and cleanse it with an antiseptic solution. Sterile drapes will be used to cover you from your neck to your feet. A soft strap will be tied across your arms and waist to prevent your hands from touching the sterile field.

The electrophysiologist will numb the skin in your groin with medication. He/she will then insert several catheters into the vein beneath the skin. The catheters are threaded to your heart guided by a fluoroscopy machine. Electrical impulses will be delivered to your heart by a pacemaker. The catheters evaluate the conduction system of your heart by sensing electrical activity in your heart.

Your doctor will reproduce your abnormal heart rhythm. He/she may then give you various medications to see which one controls the abnormal heart rhythm best. This can also be done to determine the best device or procedure to use in treating your abnormal heart rhythm.

During the procedure, you may feel your heart beating stronger or faster. You should let the doctor or nurses know if this or other symptoms occur. Depending on the results of the EP study the doctor may decide to continue with a different procedure such as catheter ablation procedure or device implant such as a pacemaker.

How long does the EP study last?

The test usually takes about two to four hours to perform.

However, this may be longer depending on if additional procedures or treatments are performed at the same time such as catheter ablation.